Speaker

Moderator

Ann M. Thayer, Ph.D.
Senior Correspondent
C&EN

Overview:

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Phase-Analysis Light Scattering (PALS) are typically liquid-phase particle characterization techniques that give particle hydrodynamic radius and zeta potential, respectively. The theory behind each technique is generally not well understood by users, so a brief overview with visual examples will be provided. The role that DLS and PALS are currently playing and could potentially play in nanotechnology is explored as well.

Because both DLS and PALS can operate with similar wavelength light sources, both radius and zeta potential can be determined from a single measurement with a single laser. The DelsaMax PRO is a new instrument from Beckman Coulter Inc. which is capable of detecting both measurements simultaneously, in as little as two seconds. Importantly, due to the unique PALS detector system, the dynamic range of zeta potential measurements is extended down to 1 nm with the DelsaMax PRO. In the later half of this webinar, the application of these techniques for rapidly assessing nanoparticles is directly demonstrated while further applications are postulated.